Invest wisely in your Bank Holiday preperation

Health chiefs are advising people to invest wisely in August bank holiday preparation to stay fit and well over the long weekend.

GP surgeries will be closed on Monday 31 August so people are being advised to check opening times for local pharmacies and the practice they are registered with. Anyone who has medicine on a repeat prescription should also plan ahead so they are confident they have what they need.

Joanne Stanney, Head of Medicines Management for NHS Southern Derbyshire Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “It can be easy to be caught out by the bank holiday – especially if you’re busy making plans to do nice things.

“But it’s worth checking you have the medicines you might need – both prescription and over-the-counter – because if you don’t it could spoil the plans you’ve made and mean you have to seek emergency medical help.

“We wouldn’t want someone to run out of a vital medicine and we also want to make sure NHS services that are open are kept free for patients who really need them for emergency care.

“Anyone who becomes unwell over the bank holiday can call NHS 111, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“They will give advice and immediately direct patients to the local service that best meets their needs.”

Pharmacists can help with expert advice on how to look after yourself and advice on the safe supply and use of medicines. They can also help with a wide range of minor medical issues including; coughs/colds, aches/pains, stomach upsets, bites or stings, conjunctivitis, earache, emergency contraception, diarrhoea, and high temperature.

People can talk to a pharmacist in confidence and no appointment is needed. They can also help you decide if you need to see a doctor.

To find out about pharmacy opening times visit www.southernderbyshireccg.nhs.uk/your-health-services/pharmacies/

Minor injury units can be found at Buxton Hospital, Ilkeston Community Hospital, Ripley Hospital and Whitworth Hospital, Darley Dale. All are open 8am to 10pm.

Derby Urgent Care Centre, in Osmaston Road, is open 8am to 8pm all year and can help with sprains, strains, minor burns and scalds, minor head and eye injuries, infections and severe sore throats.